Programmes & Community
Structured learning, self-discovery and peer support for Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD people.
This page brings together my structured programmes and community-based work, including AHA! Educational programmes for small groups and indiviuals, AHA! community and peer support group, So You're Autistic? (SYA?) and the University of Kent Autistic and ADHD peer support social group (UoKA).
AHA! is my current programme and community offer through AuDHD Consulting.
SYA and UoKA are University of Kent interlinking educational and community peer support groups and are currently only available to University of Kent students. They are included here as examples of my university-based work.
For other universities, schools, charities or organisations, I can develop bespoke neurodivergent-led programmes adapted to the needs of the group. These may use a different name, structure or format depending on the setting.
A programme by AuDHD Consulting
AHA!
Educational Programme, Individual Support and Community Peer Support for Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD people, including those who are self-identifying, questioning or exploring neurodivergence.
AHA! is named after those moments of recognition and self-understanding, when experiences, challenges and strengths begin to make sense in a new way. The programme aims to provide the understanding, language and community that can help those moments happen.
'Autism is Awesome.' Appliqué by Annette Foster, 27.5x13cm, 2015
What is AHA!
That moment when it all makes sense
AHA! brings together structured learning and genuine community. It is a space where Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD people can explore who they are, understand their experiences and connect with others who truly get it -- without pressure, without deficit framing. Just space to make sense of yourself in your own time.
The three strands
What AHA! offers
Educational Programme
A structured learning programme designed to help Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD people build a deeper, more affirming understanding of themselves. Drawing on current neurodiversity research and lived experience, the programme explores identity, strengths, sensory experience, communication, and wellbeing.
No diagnosis required. Flexible formats available.
Programme format
- 8 sessions, each around 2 hours
- Online and hybrid in-person options
- Small groups, usually 10 to 12 participants
- Optional one-to-one meeting before your first session
Sessions may include
Programme aims
The 8 sessions
Welcome and Where You Are in Your Discovery
Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD Lived Experience
Your Sensory and Nervous System Profile
Overwhelm, Burnout, Shutdown and Recovery
Stimming, Regulation and Neurodivergent Joy
Neurodivergent Thinking and Attention Styles
Language, Identity and Self-Kindness
Self-Advocacy, Boundaries and Moving Forward
AHA! Individual
AHA! Individual is a one-to-one version of the AHA! Educational Programme for people who would prefer individual support, a more flexible pace, or the opportunity to explore their experiences in greater depth.
The programme is tailored to the individual and may be particularly helpful for people who are newly discovering they are Autistic, ADHD or AuDHD, are questioning whether they may be neurodivergent, or would like support in better understanding themselves.
No diagnosis required. Fully tailored to you.
Topics we explore together
- Neurodivergent identity and self-discovery
- Attention differences, monotropism and executive functioning
- Sensory experiences and regulation
- Communication and relationships
- Burnout, overwhelm and wellbeing
- Strengths, self-advocacy and authenticity
Together, we develop a deeper understanding of your unique experiences, strengths, challenges and support needs. Sessions are paced to suit you.
AHA! Community and Peer Support
AHA! Community & Peer Support is a welcoming space for Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD people to connect, share experiences and spend time with others who truly get it. Facilitated by Dr Annette Foster, these groups are grounded in mutual understanding, respect and the belief that shared experience can be powerful. There is no pressure to speak, participate in a particular way, or attend every session. You are welcome to engage in whatever way feels right for you. Many people tell us it is the first time they have spent time in a space where they do not have to explain themselves.
Open to Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD adults. including those who are self-identifying, questioning or exploring neurodivergence. No diagnosis required.
- Facilitated peer support and discussion
- Shared experience and mutual understanding
- Low-pressure, flexible participation
- A welcoming, respectful and accessible environment
- Opportunities for connection, friendship and community
What does a typical session look like?
While sessions vary depending on the group and participants, they often include:
- A chance to check in and share how things have been going, if you would like to. You are always welcome to pass or use alternative forms of communication, such as text-to-speech apps, the chat function, or writing down your response.
- Discussion of successes, challenges, questions or topics raised by the group
- Opportunities to share ideas, strategies and experiences with others
- Time for informal conversation and connection
- Optional activities, creative projects or themed discussions
You are welcome to participate as much or as little as feels right for you. Listening is participation too.
AHA! Young People and Families Community
I am exploring a new AHA! community offer for Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD and questioning young people aged 12 to 19 and their families.
Groups may be divided by age or stage depending on interest, numbers and access needs, so that young people are placed in a group that feels appropriate, supportive and safe.
This offer builds on my previous experience running a successful Autistic social group for young people for three years in partnership with Barnet Education and Learning Service, supporting Autistic young people across Barnet schools and colleges in London.
This would be a welcoming, low-pressure space for young people to connect, learn, share experiences and explore neurodivergent identity, wellbeing, stimming, sensory needs, self-advocacy and joy.
The offer may include:
- a regular facilitated online social group for young people
- short educational sessions or recorded resources for families
- practical ideas around sensory regulation, overwhelm, masking, burnout and self-understanding
- creative activities linked to neurodivergent identity, strengths and wellbeing
- opportunities for parents and carers to better understand and support their young person
This is not currently open for booking, but I am gathering interest from families who would like to hear more as the offer develops.
Register interest in AHA! Young People and Families CommunityHow we work together
Language, inclusion and community values
Identity-first language
Many Autistic people prefer identity-first language -- for example, "Autistic person" rather than "person with autism." AHA! generally uses identity-first language in line with community preference. However, we recognise that language is personal, and we encourage everyone to use the language that feels right for them.
Gender, sexuality and inclusion
AHA! welcomes people of all genders and sexualities. We ask participants to respect each other's names, identities and pronouns. Mistakes happen, and we encourage a culture of kindness, learning and mutual respect.
Respect and belonging
AHA! aims to create a welcoming, supportive and inclusive space where people feel safe to be themselves. We celebrate difference and do not tolerate discrimination, harassment or exclusionary behaviour.
Neurodiversity-informed and strengths-based
AHA! takes a neurodiversity-informed approach. We recognise that neurodivergence brings both strengths and challenges, and we support self-understanding, self-advocacy, wellbeing and pride in identity.
Who we welcome
We welcome Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD people, recognising that these experiences may overlap but are also distinct. Throughout the programme, we explore both shared experiences and the unique strengths, challenges and perspectives that different neurodivergent people may bring.
'Weird as Heck' Hands stitching appliqué letters during a creative neurodivergent identity workshop, 2018
What guides us
The values behind AHA!
Recognition
AHA! is built around those moments when things suddenly make sense. When you understand why you experience the world the way you do.
Affirmation
Everything in AHA! is grounded in the belief that neurodivergent minds are not broken. They are different, and those differences deserve to be understood and celebrated.
Community
You are not alone. AHA! brings people together who share similar experiences, creating space for genuine connection and mutual support.
Understanding
Knowledge is powerful. AHA! gives you the tools and language to understand yourself more fully and to advocate for what you need.
You have always made sense.
Sometimes we just need the language, understanding and community to see it.
AHA! is a space for Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD people to explore who they are, better understand their experiences, and connect with others who truly get it.
AHA! is led by Dr Annette Foster, an AuDHD educator, researcher and facilitator. Her work combines lived experience, participatory research and creative practice, drawing on more than twenty years of experience in education and the arts, and over a decade of supporting neurodivergent people.
Interested in joining a future AHA! Educational Programme?
Register your interest to receive information about upcoming groups, dates and availability.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Not sure whether AHA! is right for you?
Everyone's journey is different. If you're unsure whether AHA! Individual, the AHA! Educational Programme, or a 1:1 consultation would be the best fit, you're welcome to book a free introductory call.
This informal free 30-minute conversation is an opportunity to discuss your situation, ask questions, and explore which form of support may be most helpful for you.